Nowadays, Egypt is through a great time: for we celebrate a series of joyful occasions. Few days ago, al-Masry al-Youm celebrated its tenth anniversary. Tomorrow, we commemorate the June 30 Revolution as well as the beginning of Ramadan. So many happy returns on the holy occasion!
Ten Years
Journalism started her journey centuries ago. It has opened new horizons before the world: for what was imagination has become a reality. When al-Waqai’ al-Masriya (Egyptians Affairs), the first Arab newspaper, was issued on December, 1828, journalism found its path to Egyptians minds and hearts, tackling their lives and concerns faithfully, and edited by renowned thinkers. Then journalism became open to the whole world to be called “the fourth estate” owing to her crucial role in shaping public opinion.
On the occasion of al-Masry al-Youm’s tenth anniversary, I would like to congratulate the editors and the staff on their great efforts that have endured throughout the past ten years. The staff has been working lovingly, diligently, and with a deep belief in doing their duty toward Egypt who has gone through a lot of difficulties and the society that has undergone critical changes. They have clearly expressed the paper’s role which importance is growing. Indeed, al-Masry al-Youm is making strides in presenting its readership knowledge and truth freely and honestly.
The paper has been able to overcome all the obstacles that it encountered with its launch in 2004. At that time, issuing a daily newspaper was a pretty hard task. Even more, it was almost impossible. However, al-Masry al-Youm emerged victorious despite all those challenges, thus rendering the dream a reality which success echoes not only in Egypt, but also in the Arab region.
The changes witnessed by the Egyptian society from 2004 to 2014 have been accompanied by al-Masry al-Youm’s significant work which was greatly supportive of the Egyptian citizen. In fact, the paper has always raised the motto of helping Egyptians live in free country. Thus, came its slogan “It’s Your Right to Know” to provide knowledge to whoever sought it in Egypt. In effect, Egyptians reacted lovingly and sincerely to this great effort which satisfied their need for awareness. This was clear in the paper’s coverage of the January 25 Revolution as well as that of June 30, while preserving its neutrality, credibility, and discretion.
I would also like to congratulate the paper on its prolific and diverse books, as well as its variety of ideas which are being presented on its pages to satisfy the readerships needs and tastes. The paper also houses lots of renowned writers who have enriched us with their deep and versatile ideas reproduced on paper. Al-Masry al-Youm has always cared for and respected the Egyptian citizen. Thus, it voices everybody’s opinion without discrimination.
Moreover, the paper has achieved a great deal of precedence, such as, news and photos of the 2007 incidents, the first interview with President (general at that time) Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in 2013. The paper continues growing. It has extended through digital media: it has an electronic edition followed by millions. Also, it has an English edition, Egypt Independent, which echoes the voice of al-Masry al-Youm in the four corners of earth. Additionally, there is a periodical volume that the journal publishes, thus, boosting the Egyptian’s, Arab’s and international readership’s confidence which encourages it to move on.
The paper has reached the top to stay there, providing a unique journalistic experience. On the way, it has gone through many phases: the dream, rejection, thorny road, and eventually permanent success in one decade!
We wish you more success and distribution, as well as more issues in many years to come!
A Revolution the World Vouches For
Through long epochs, Egyptians have sought freedom and independence. The dignified people would never accept humiliation. Despite the Egyptians’ patience, they never give up: for they revolt for their freedom which is worth more than the world’s treasures. Egyptians have never succumbed to any non-patriotic ruler.
However, should I ever write about the Egyptians’ revolutions against injustice and despotism, I shall need years! The Egyptians rebelled against enemies who wanted to invade their fatherland, the Hiksos who they expelled after two centuries and so on. With time, nations have to be reminded of Egyptians’ greatness, dignity and rejection of the usurpation of their land or freedom. Revolutions continue: against Persians, the French campaign, and against the British colonizer that the country might regain her independence. These eventually culminated in the 1952 Revolution. Days pass, only for Egyptians to prove their deserving an honorable life on January 25, 2011 which extended to June 30, 2013.
As we commemorate this great revolution which amazed the world: seeing millions go down streets demanding dignity, it worthy to highlight the following:
– Millions of Egyptians rebelled throughout the entirety of Egypt. Thus, you would be watching the selfsame incident taking place with the same words and outcries, which makes you feel as if you were watching one man and one woman defending their beloved country.
– Everybody contributed. So much so that you would feel you were facing a deluge of rebels enticed by love for their country. They resembled a tsunami that ran through roads and squares to restore Egypt’s happiness and safety. The world was amazed by the Egyptians’ carelessness of death and defiance of the universe for their country.
– We were able to restore good relations which would have, otherwise, been destroyed. In effect, we saw great collaboration amongst the people who were unified by one soul phrase, “the love for Egypt”.
– The people made it clear that they insisted on preserving their freedom, dignity, and fatherland.
– Egyptians, it seems, almost said to the world, “Mark this!” Egypt has always been full of dignity.
– It was an altogether popular revolution in which the Armed Forces took the people’s sides, not the opposite: for the people is the sole source of the revolution. Egyptians are the decision-makers, which is why they were supported by the army.
Many happy returns on the occasion of June 30 Revolution! We wish Egypt all dignity and prosperity. May God protect her! What great stories! Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
